NCAAF teams
Mel Kiper Jr.Todd McShay 9y

Ranking the best one-loss teams

Insider College Football

Each week during the college football season, Mel Kiper and Todd McShay kick off the week by settling a debate, looking at emerging NFL prospects and peeking ahead to next week.


The big question: Who are the top three one-loss teams in the country?

Mel Kiper: When sorting out all the one-loss teams, the AP and coaches polls don't help me much. Polls are as much about when you lost as they are about your overall profile. The best way to pick out the best is to just compare who has been the most impressive, and for me that starts with the most impressive wins. Why are the one-loss teams so important? Hey, at least one of 'em is going to land in the playoff at this point -- and maybe more.

The teams I chose from were Alabama, Auburn, Oregon, Ole Miss, Ohio State, Michigan State, Georgia, TCU, Kansas State, Arizona, Baylor, Arizona State, Nebraska -- and I even looked closely at Utah.

Let me tell you who I chose, and also point out why a few teams didn't make my list.

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